My Grandpa sold these back in the day and I was fortunate to inherit it YEARS ago. He told me when he passed it on that this was the best machine Singer ever made... and I should NEVER give it up. Use it all the time and think about the fact that he made my mothers wedding dress on it. Such a treasure.
@@1953childstar To me it is "better" because it is less complex, requires less maintenance and I don't like visually the big knob on the 401. And besides I am not really looking for all those fancy stitches but only really need zig zag. With that reasoning the single stitch 404 is even more minimalist and to me even more aesthetically pleasing. The 500 series is aesthetically cool, but isn't as durable as 400 series, the flip-top and bobbin pins are a problem, especially with age. But that Rocketeer coolness is still there. You really cannot go wrong with any of the 400s if they are functioning, but given a choice the 403A is the best bang for your buck in my opinion if you are looking for a machine and don't have one in hand. But surly don't pass on a nice 401 at a good price. Snap it up! An honorable mention might be a Singer 427 if you don't want slant but don't mind 66 bobbins but it has more plastic and just doesn't have the internal and external quality of the older machines. My really only pet pieve on these machines is the plastic bobbin pins. The 301 design is interesting in that respect.
I was just gifted this machine, it belonged to my mother in law, my mother also had a singer but one of the older black models, I’m so excited to start sewing again
Wonderful video!!!!!. Bought my 401A at a yard sale for $5.00--no manual. I wanted a machine to keep at my winter home and this is perfect. I have a 401 at home so I know they are work horses. Your video showed me how to get back to a straight stitch as the needles was not at center. Didn’t know about the flip top with all the different stitches. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!! My husband cleaned and oiled it and it runs like a top. I’m a quilter and do fabric collage.
My mother was a seamstress and had one of these from the late 50's and used it all her life. Sadly she is gone now, and her 401A is still going strong, albeit a little noisier now. I picked one up for $75 dollars in a cabinet in brand new condition. The lady I bought it from said it needed to be repaired. Upon bringing it home and taking a closer look, I found she just didn't know how to install the bobbin case properly. It runs as smooth as silk. I wish my mother was still here, and I could have given it to her.
Nice sowing machine we have the same one I love mine it was gifted to me about 3 years ago and have been using it I make tote bags an backpack purse bags it’s my first sowing machine and thank you for sharing I am still learning I have just learned a lot to day thank you my friend ❤
i really wanna tell you thank you so much,when i was 8 i asked my grandma to teach me and she said "i will teach you when you are 11 years old",and sadly she has gone 1 year later since that promise,and now im 15 so thank so much
HakuLuvsSushi how wonderful to have one with personal history!!! My grandma knitted and crocheted and I’m the only other one in the family who does so they came to me. It’s so nice to be able to think of her when I’m using them.
I just inherited the Singer 401a from a friend who's mom sewed on it for years. I grew up with my mom having a Singer (don't remember the model) and I was so thrilled when I received my friend's machine. I was soooooo happy when I came across your video and how you demonstrated the mechanics of operation. I will practice what I learned from you and get my "new" machine up and running and sew a little thank you gift for my friend with her mom's machine. Thank you for sharing ❤ Leona
I would recommend unplugging from the wall, removing the top cover - 2 screws - and inspecting the black wire that goes to the light bulb. This wire can touch the machine metal body and cause electrocution. The wire has two small black connecting caps that may come loose with time - this will cause the wire to touch the metal body of the machine. Inspect both caps, make sure each is tight on the wire and no wire is exposed near the caps. The wire is also secured with a small black metal bracket that may come loose over time - this will cause the wire to rub against a top metal gear which will cause again the cable to come in touch with the metal body of the machine.
You guys rock!!! I've had one of these for 10 years and have never used it because i never thought i had a pedal; Turns out the pedal was on a knee trigger!!!!! Thank you so much for making this video! I'm so excited to learn how to sew and with such a great machine!
Thank you! I just inherited one of these from my grandma. It is recessed into a sewing table for storage and came with the written manual. I’ve been looking for a video tutorial and loved yours. I didn’t realize that you could remove the knee mechanism to use as a foot pedal!
Couples days ago my husband says “ I think I’m going to throw away that” it was the machine -Singer 401A -he says it didn’t work....🥴so I start searching 😹thank you for this video , this machine work beautiful 😻
I was lucky to by one in top condition in norway from 1960 a few weeks ago, what a machine . It is going to be my backup machine at work, I sew for a living.
Is it possible to zoom in to view what exactly your doing to load the thread to give enough tension? Because I'm not able to tell what exactly is happening with your quick talented fingers!
This is the sewing machine I learned to make clothes on over 50 years ago! My mom still has it and uses it regularly, but it was my Grandma's machine originally. With regular maintenance, it still works beautifully! Makes crappy button holes though (with that big attachment full of cams...)
you must of been sewing a long time, your hands move fast around the machine. Im just learning and I have a 306k in mint condition, its a 1954 model and its been in my family since new. It will sew leather , canvas too. I plan to use it for making coverings for furniture. good video you made!
My grandmother emigrated here from Greece back in the 40's, and she had one of these Singer 401A's at my mom's house for decades. I can remember her fixing so many of my clothes, pants, etc. when I was a kid. My mom recently let it go at an estate sale for $45. Do you know what year these were made? Thanks.
what quilting attachments can I get for this baby? and where can I get them? I got it out today and it's a blast. Your tutorial really helped me understand what everything does. THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH!!!
I just found one in a Desk curbside at my neighbors for free. I see I am missing the top Bobbin poles on the very top of the machine. I don't know how to sew and am just getting my feet wet. I guess I will need to hire someone to come over and get me situated. I also have a Stylist zigzag model 457 and a Stylist 534 ( both recently fixed up and ready to go).
Me too! moved into an apartment where the previous tenant had left behind a bunch of stuff. I hosed it down with lubricant and it fired right up. only has one option for stitch pattern because it's all jammed up, but at least it works for straight stitches. I should probably get this thing fixed since it's sturdy af and could easily last my lifetime.
I was at the right place at the right time to obtain a 401a I remember these from home economics class the only thing is this poor baby is missing a foot pedal and the belt any suggestions of where to get these parts please I liked your channel and subscribed thank you for this awesome share beautiful beautiful website by the way!
And just in case you need bobbins for it or anything, here's where I'd look: www.vintagesingerparts.com/ I just ordered a bunch of bobbins and accessories for mine from them
If the top tension is adjusted properly, a # 4 is used for most fabrics. The heavier the fabric the higher the number and tighter the tension. If the tension is correctly adjusted, with the presser foot in the down position and the tension set at "0" there should be very slight tension- just enough to tug the check spring.. Otherwise it needs to be re-calibrated. The #401 has very sensitive tension and it is very difficult to have well balanced zig-zag stitches.
Hi I have a singer 401a with no manual. I was just sewing a pair of jeans and my needle broke. I don't have any extras because the machine didnt come with any. I got it used from my sewing teacher. Do you know what needle the singer 401a takes? I'm surprised the needle broke after watching this video. With your machine it sews like butter. I wish mine was like that :(
My problem is that I need to clean under the plate behind the slide plate, however, the throat plate lever will not move from up over to the unlock position so I can remove the back plate for cleaning out lint & etc. Please help with this issue.
Dora The Fluid Crafter do you have oil for it? I’d try oiling all of the spots it says in the manual first as something may need to be loosened up. You might also want to check and see if there’s a thread nest in/around the bobbin area.
If you type in google (401 singer sewing machine) you will find an online parts store that has all the parts for this vintage machine. The pricing is very reasonable. You could also check ebay. Its all metal and every piece is made in the usa.
I have a 401 A and when i take my foot of the pedal it runs on a bit . i bought a new foot pedal but it still runs on . i am wondering if this is normal for that machine .
Bridie Drain It's normal. All older machines coast. The reason being is that they have flywheels. A flywheel stores energy in it's rotating mass that helps the motor along. New ones do not have the flywheel. That is the reason that older machines seem to be stronger than new ones.
I had one of those, and it had some kind of phenolic? composite/fiber-reinforced? gears inside. I was surprised it wasn't "all metal." My 20 year old Pfaff has plastic gears too... :( I guess the good thing is that the gears are replaceable and in a huge accident, would be the thing to break before the metal bending or shearing.
That was a General Electric developed material developed in the 1920's. It is called "Texilite" and is many layers of a very fine fabric and an epoxy resin compressed under 2 thousand pounds of pressure. It was used for automobile starter motors, electric clocks and Singer sewing machines since the Singer electric #101, made in the 1920's...
I have this machine. It needs repair. How do I find a really honest, good repair person for this machine? I'm near the Texas-Oklahoma border, South of OKC.
Letta Mego look for a good quilting store near you and ask if they have a person who services them. If they’re a good quilt store, it’s something their customers are doing on an annual basis at least as well as when they have issues so they’ll have a person to refer you to
Letta Mego that’s so wonderful!!! They’re such awesome machines! I have a 301 but it’s in a table with a knee lever (love!) so I leave that there and have my 401 as my traveling machine.
I live in stillwater and just got this machine! I had brittons sewing machine repair, repair mine. He did a good job. Also Kent sewing machine service has good reviews
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My Grandpa sold these back in the day and I was fortunate to inherit it YEARS ago. He told me when he passed it on that this was the best machine Singer ever made... and I should NEVER give it up. Use it all the time and think about the fact that he made my mothers wedding dress on it. Such a treasure.
Sylvia Done LOVE this!!! 💗
Great machine, but the 403, 201-2, and 301 are better... (if you don't have one in hand and you are searching!)
Made her dress! Awesome 😎
@@redoak3809 Why is the 403 better ???
@@1953childstar To me it is "better" because it is less complex, requires less maintenance and I don't like visually the big knob on the 401. And besides I am not really looking for all those fancy stitches but only really need zig zag. With that reasoning the single stitch 404 is even more minimalist and to me even more aesthetically pleasing. The 500 series is aesthetically cool, but isn't as durable as 400 series, the flip-top and bobbin pins are a problem, especially with age. But that Rocketeer coolness is still there. You really cannot go wrong with any of the 400s if they are functioning, but given a choice the 403A is the best bang for your buck in my opinion if you are looking for a machine and don't have one in hand. But surly don't pass on a nice 401 at a good price. Snap it up! An honorable mention might be a Singer 427 if you don't want slant but don't mind 66 bobbins but it has more plastic and just doesn't have the internal and external quality of the older machines. My really only pet pieve on these machines is the plastic bobbin pins. The 301 design is interesting in that respect.
I was just gifted this machine, it belonged to my mother in law, my mother also had a singer but one of the older black models, I’m so excited to start sewing again
Wonderful video!!!!!. Bought my 401A at a yard sale for $5.00--no manual. I wanted a machine to keep at my winter home and this is perfect. I have a 401 at home so I know they are work horses. Your video showed me how to get back to a straight stitch as the needles was not at center. Didn’t know about the flip top with all the different stitches. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!! My husband cleaned and oiled it and it runs like a top. I’m a quilter and do fabric collage.
My mother was a seamstress and had one of these from the late 50's and used it all her life. Sadly she is gone now, and her 401A is still going strong, albeit a little noisier now. I picked one up for $75 dollars in a cabinet in brand new condition. The lady I bought it from said it needed to be repaired. Upon bringing it home and taking a closer look, I found she just didn't know how to install the bobbin case properly. It runs as smooth as silk. I wish my mother was still here, and I could have given it to her.
Nice sowing machine we have the same one I love mine it was gifted to me about 3 years ago and have been using it I make tote bags an backpack purse bags it’s my first sowing machine and thank you for sharing I am still learning I have just learned a lot to day thank you my friend ❤
Bought this model on eBay. It was hardly used. I still have and use the budget model I bought in 1959 and sewed miles and miles on it. Love them both.
The 401 is widely considered to be one of Singer's greatest masterpieces...... on par with the legendary 201 straight stitch machine.
i really wanna tell you thank you so much,when i was 8 i asked my grandma to teach me and she said "i will teach you when you are 11 years old",and sadly she has gone 1 year later since that promise,and now im 15 so thank so much
Thank you so much ! My grandma passed mine down to me after her passing. Glad I can use it.
HakuLuvsSushi how wonderful to have one with personal history!!! My grandma knitted and crocheted and I’m the only other one in the family who does so they came to me. It’s so nice to be able to think of her when I’m using them.
I just inherited the Singer 401a from a friend who's mom sewed on it for years. I grew up with my mom having a Singer (don't remember the model) and I was so thrilled when I received my friend's machine. I was soooooo happy when I came across your video and how you demonstrated the mechanics of operation. I will practice what I learned from you and get my "new" machine up and running and sew a little thank you gift for my friend with her mom's machine.
Thank you for sharing ❤
Leona
I would recommend unplugging from the wall, removing the top cover - 2 screws - and inspecting the black wire that goes to the light bulb. This wire can touch the machine metal body and cause electrocution. The wire has two small black connecting caps that may come loose with time - this will cause the wire to touch the metal body of the machine. Inspect both caps, make sure each is tight on the wire and no wire is exposed near the caps. The wire is also secured with a small black metal bracket that may come loose over time - this will cause the wire to rub against a top metal gear which will cause again the cable to come in touch with the metal body of the machine.
Very true. The 1956 and 57 models used black wire nuts. Later they used a safer connection.
I just bought this machine with all the attachments from the antique shop I work at. Its the first machine I've owned and I can't wait to learn onit.
Thanks for this video I just inherited my grandmothers and I was at a loss on how to use it
You guys rock!!! I've had one of these for 10 years and have never used it because i never thought i had a pedal; Turns out the pedal was on a knee trigger!!!!! Thank you so much for making this video! I'm so excited to learn how to sew and with such a great machine!
Thank you! I just inherited one of these from my grandma. It is recessed into a sewing table for storage and came with the written manual. I’ve been looking for a video tutorial and loved yours. I didn’t realize that you could remove the knee mechanism to use as a foot pedal!
Would you help me to gime me a copy the writing manual please for my machine😊
My grandmother gave me hers with the table too!
Couples days ago my husband says “ I think I’m going to throw away that” it was the machine -Singer 401A -he says it didn’t work....🥴so I start searching 😹thank you for this video , this machine work beautiful 😻
Was the foot plate not working? Plugged in the light on mine will come on but nothing when I press the foot pedal. Am I missing something? Haha
I was lucky to by one in top condition in norway from 1960 a few weeks ago, what a machine . It is going to be my backup machine at work, I sew for a living.
What is the thickest material that it will sew
Hey TR , Darby Cade here in Boardman Oregon . Loved your video. Just picked up this machine and your video was super helpful!!!
Is it possible to zoom in to view what exactly your doing to load the thread to give enough tension? Because I'm not able to tell what exactly is happening with your quick talented fingers!
Got an in cabnet one at a yard sale last summer for $4.00
It is in absolutely amazing shape, so clean & quite. Love this machine so much!
WOW! Awesome find. Congrats.
My Dad gave me his before he passed away, I love it!
This is the sewing machine I learned to make clothes on over 50 years ago! My mom still has it and uses it regularly, but it was my Grandma's machine originally. With regular maintenance, it still works beautifully! Makes crappy button holes though (with that big attachment full of cams...)
Are you using either the "Auto-Pilot" or "Professional" buttonhole attachment ?? Those are what I use and it makes fantastic buttonholes...
just found one of these at goodwill today lol. ordering a new plug for it, i hope it works!!!
you must of been sewing a long time,
your hands move fast around the machine. Im just learning and I have a 306k in mint condition, its a 1954 model and its been in my family since new. It will sew leather , canvas too. I plan to use it for making coverings for furniture.
good video you made!
My grandmother emigrated here from Greece back in the 40's, and she had one of these Singer 401A's at my mom's house for decades. I can remember her fixing so many of my clothes, pants, etc. when I was a kid. My mom recently let it go at an estate sale for $45. Do you know what year these were made? Thanks.
Hi I have same machine made in 1957-58.
The #401 was made from late 1956 until 1961. They debuted for Christmas of 1957..
Thanks for your responses. Appreciate it!
Thank you so much I’ve learned so much 😀 ... i had mine just stored but i been using it since i found this video.
Thank you for demonstrating! awesome machine...
do you know what would make my bobbin keep getting stuck about every 12 inches or so?
It would be nice to show the stitching to your viewers as well as how the machine works.
it's like a portable semi-industrial
Thanks! I have one of these and you are helpful!
Good information, is this machine the same as the Singer 401 a Slant -O-Matic?
Yes, it is the very first "Slant-O-Matic"… The # 301 was the first "Slant needle"..
what quilting attachments can I get for this baby? and where can I get them? I got it out today and it's a blast. Your tutorial really helped me understand what everything does. THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH!!!
Lisa C - here’s a good resource for you:
www.vintagesingerparts.com/
If you set it for BL, in addition to regular zig zag it will do straight stitch.
how do you plug in the foot pedal
This machines are louder then industrial one.
You don`t need to bring up the bobbin thread , just close the the cover, keeping the thread in the little notch, and sew away.
No, you need to bring up the bobbin thread to make sure you do not end up with it making a mess to have to try to fix.
Me gustaria poder adquirir prensatelas para esta maquina.gracias por compartir
Thank you, you helped me and this is an old video. Lol
I just found one in a Desk curbside at my neighbors for free. I see I am missing the top Bobbin poles on the very top of the machine. I don't know how to sew and am just getting my feet wet. I guess I will need to hire someone to come over and get me situated.
I also have a
Stylist zigzag model 457 and a Stylist 534 ( both recently fixed up and ready to go).
Gosh I also found a 401a table in my neighbors trash. Brought it to the local sewing machine shop and they made it run like new.
Me too!
moved into an apartment where the previous tenant had left behind a bunch of stuff. I hosed it down with lubricant and it fired right up. only has one option for stitch pattern because it's all jammed up, but at least it works for straight stitches. I should probably get this thing fixed since it's sturdy af and could easily last my lifetime.
Geez I thought I was so lucky when I found mine on the side of the road! I guess we all are!
You can find those parts on Ebay and very easy to replace in this machine. You can also purchase the manuals.
I purchased mine from Ebay and apparently it was professionally refurbished. I paid $60 plus shipping. Motor is excellent!
I was at the right place at the right time to obtain a 401a I remember these from home economics class the only thing is this poor baby is missing a foot pedal and the belt any suggestions of where to get these parts please I liked your channel and subscribed thank you for this awesome share beautiful beautiful website by the way!
Sewing Parts Online is my first place & then there are others on FB & Ebay. Those parts are easy to find for a classic machine. Have fun!
And just in case you need bobbins for it or anything, here's where I'd look: www.vintagesingerparts.com/ I just ordered a bunch of bobbins and accessories for mine from them
11/10 thank you sm!!
Why is the top stitch guide smashed down ???? Not a good "selling point", it leads one to believe that the machine was mistreated..
Sorry. I have a 404 at home. Great little machine!!!!
How much for the women?
Thank you!
Thank you very much, looking forward to more of your videos!
Thanks!
tengo una de mi mama excelente
My wife is wonder what number is best to set her thread tension?
If the top tension is adjusted properly, a # 4 is used for most fabrics. The heavier the fabric the higher the number and tighter the tension. If the tension is correctly adjusted, with the presser foot in the down position and the tension set at "0" there should be very slight tension- just enough to tug the check spring.. Otherwise it needs to be re-calibrated. The #401 has very sensitive tension and it is very difficult to have well balanced zig-zag stitches.
How this machine turn on? When you turn on the light the machine turn on?
The light button is the machine switch too?
Hi I’m having trouble with my Singer 401A tension it keeps breaking my thread . What is the normal setting?
Top tension should be set at 4. The thicker the fabric, the tighter the tension.
❤
Hi I have a singer 401a with no manual. I was just sewing a pair of jeans and my needle broke. I don't have any extras because the machine didnt come with any. I got it used from my sewing teacher. Do you know what needle the singer 401a takes? I'm surprised the needle broke after watching this video. With your machine it sews like butter. I wish mine was like that :(
Needles are 15 - 1
Bobbins are 66
Come pulire e oliare?
My problem is that I need to clean under the plate behind the slide plate, however, the throat plate lever will not move from up over to the unlock position so I can remove the back plate for cleaning out lint & etc.
Please help with this issue.
Sewing machine oil drops will help
What size bobbin do I use in a 403 slant o matic singer
Metal 66
How is knee pedal attached
!!!...THANK_YOU...!!!
Hi. Does the machine sew better with cotton thread versus the poly-cotton type widely sold today?
Aurifil 50 wt
Where can I get a power cord foot peddle
muy buena machine
thanks!
Мне подарили такую машинку 401Ĝ13.Где найти инструкцию на русском языке?Буду благодарна кто ответит.
Как отрегулировать натяжение нижней нити?Какие цифры набирать и где?Нет инструкции, ПОМОГИТЕ!
Hello, I just came into this machine and I can't get the wheel to lower the needle... Any help is appreciated 😊
Dora The Fluid Crafter do you have oil for it? I’d try oiling all of the spots it says in the manual first as something may need to be loosened up. You might also want to check and see if there’s a thread nest in/around the bobbin area.
Dora The Fluid Crafter good luck on getting yours working btw! I have one as well as a 301 and they are amazing old machines!!!
Does it have and off button or just plugging to electric
MARILYN LEONARD just plug it into electric
It has an off ans on button yes.
@@HardcoreGamerTarin mine doesn't have an off and on button
MARILYN LEONARD - link to the manual for you - www.manualslib.com/manual/454771/Singer-401.html
I volunteer at habitat and this machine came without power cord can you tell me what cord to order thanks!! Not sure it’s worth it 🤪
If you type in google (401 singer sewing machine) you will find an online parts store that has all the parts for this vintage machine. The pricing is very reasonable. You could also check ebay. Its all metal and every piece is made in the usa.
Bill Sovitsky - TOTALLY worth it 😊
I have a 401 A and when i take my foot of the pedal it runs on a bit . i bought a new foot pedal but it still runs on . i am wondering if this is normal for that machine .
Yes, it runs for about another 4 stitches before it comes to a complete stop and so you have to calculate and slow down before the end :D
Bridie Drain
It's normal. All older machines coast. The reason being is that they have flywheels. A flywheel stores energy in it's rotating mass that helps the motor along. New ones do not have the flywheel. That is the reason that older machines seem to be stronger than new ones.
I had one of those, and it had some kind of phenolic? composite/fiber-reinforced? gears inside. I was surprised it wasn't "all metal." My 20 year old Pfaff has plastic gears too... :( I guess the good thing is that the gears are replaceable and in a huge accident, would be the thing to break before the metal bending or shearing.
+Nico Le When I look inside mine it's all metal, maybe you had a different machine.
That was a General Electric developed material developed in the 1920's. It is called "Texilite" and is many layers of a very fine fabric and an epoxy resin compressed under 2 thousand pounds of pressure. It was used for automobile starter motors, electric clocks and Singer sewing machines since the Singer electric #101, made in the 1920's...
I have this machine. It needs repair. How do I find a really honest, good repair person for this machine? I'm near the Texas-Oklahoma border, South of OKC.
Letta Mego look for a good quilting store near you and ask if they have a person who services them. If they’re a good quilt store, it’s something their customers are doing on an annual basis at least as well as when they have issues so they’ll have a person to refer you to
@@amos616 That's what I did. And now the sewing machine is as good as new!
Letta Mego that’s so wonderful!!! They’re such awesome machines! I have a 301 but it’s in a table with a knee lever (love!) so I leave that there and have my 401 as my traveling machine.
I live in stillwater and just got this machine! I had brittons sewing machine repair, repair mine. He did a good job. Also Kent sewing machine service has good reviews
Guys can someone PLEASE tell me how to wind the bobbin?
Noah Rubin www.manualslib.com/manual/454771/Singer-401.html here’s the manual so you can see how to do ALL the things.
Hmmm solo miro Xk no le entiendo traduscalo en español:)
Si ma togli la traduzione che non si vede nulla